DStv subscribers across South Africa and the rest of Africa could be facing a major shake-up in their channel line-up. MultiChoice Group, DStv's parent company, has issued a warning that 12 Warner Bros. Discovery-owned channels are at risk of disappearing from DStv bouquets as early as January 1, 2026. This comes as negotiations for a new distribution agreement between the two media giants have reportedly hit a deadlock.
In a communication sent to DStv customers, MultiChoice stated that while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been reached to renew the deal, which expires on December 31, 2025. If the situation remains unresolved, channels like Discovery Channel, CNN International, Discovery Family, and Investigation Discovery could vanish from the DStv platform.
The 12 channels potentially affected are:
- Discovery Channel
- CNN International
- Discovery Family
- Investigation Discovery
MultiChoice has hinted at a potential revamp of its channel offerings in 2026, promising to “further strengthen and enrich its line-up with new content, channels, and services.” This suggests that the company is preparing for a future without the Warner Bros. Discovery channels and actively seeking alternatives.
Interestingly, the potential changes will only impact DStv customers. Subscribers to Showmax, MultiChoice's streaming service, will not be affected even if the Warner Bros. Discovery content is removed from DStv.
This news arrives at a critical time for MultiChoice. Groupe Canal+, the French pay-TV giant and parent company of MultiChoice, is actively working to reverse the trend of subscriber losses. Canal+ revealed a significant year-over-year decline in subscribers, highlighting the urgency to optimize costs and leverage technology to drive down expenses across its African operations.
The outcome of the negotiations with Warner Bros. Discovery will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping DStv's future and its ability to retain subscribers in an increasingly competitive market.